Holder for beverage container

ABSTRACT

A holder for a beverage container has a receptacle for insertion of a beverage container, a diameter-compensating element that is movably guided into the receptacle and out of the receptacle, a spring element that biases the diameter-compensating element into the receptacle, and a releasable locking device which holds the diameter-compensating element against a force of the spring element in a position it has when moved out of the receptacle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates generally to a holder for a beverage container, such as a beverage can, etc.

[0002] Such holders are known per se. For example, they are built into motor vehicles and are used there to hold a beverage container, for example a beverage can, a cup or a beaker, secure against tipping. Known holders have a receptable for insertion of the beverage container; the receptacle can be, for example a cylindrical recess. To adapt the holder to beverage containers of different diameters, it is known to provide a compensating element, which by means of a guide is so guided on the holder that it is movable into and out of the receptacle. When the diameter-compensating element is moved into the receptacle, it reduces the available space of the receptacle for the beverage container. When the diameter-compensating element is moved out of the receptacle, the full space of the receptacle is available. The diameter-compensating element is normally spring-activated; it is moved by a spring element into the receptacle and therefore resiliently pressed laterally against the circumference of a beverage container inserted in the receptacle. It therefore holds the beverage container inserted in the receptacle secure against tipping. The spring element can be a separate part, or alternatively can be in one piece with the diameter-compensating element and/or the receptacle or the holder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is an object of the invention to develop a holder of the above-mentioned kind for a beverage container, such that when the holder is not being used for insertion of a beverage container, the receptacle is fully available, for example, as a place in which to put articles.

[0004] In keeping with these objects, the holder according to the invention comprises a releasable locking device, which holds the diameter-compensating element against a releasable locking device, which holds the diameter-compensating element against the force of the spring element in the position it has when moved out of the receptacle. The diameter-compensating element does not interfere with placement of articles in the receptacle of the holder. For insertion of a beverage container, the locking device is released and the spring element moves the diameter-compensating element into the receptacle, so that the diameter-compensating element holds an inserted beverage container in the receptacle, secure against tipping, in the above-described manner.

[0005] One embodiment of the invention provides a ratchet device as locking device, which allows movement of the diameter-compensating element out of the receptacle and blocks movement of the diameter-compensating element into the receptacle. To move the diameter-compensating element into the receptacle, the ratchet device is released and the diameter-compensating element moves under spring action into the receptacle.

[0006] A development according to the invention provides a ratchet device having at least one intermediate locking position, in which the ratchet device holds the diameter-compensating element between the position it has when moved out of the receptacle and the position it has when moved fully into the receptacle. This construction of the invention allows a stepwise adaptation to different diameters of beverage containers.

[0007] The guide for the diameter-compensating element is preferably a pivotal bearing. A pivotal bearing has the advantage that it is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and tilting or jamming does not normally occur.

[0008] One embodiment of the invention provides a compartment that is larger than needed for insertion of a beverage container. To insert a beverage container, the diameter-compensating element is moved into the compartment and partitions off a part of the compartment from the remainder of the compartment, so that the beverage container can be inserted secure against tipping. The partitioned-off part of the compartment forms the receptacle for insertion of the beverage container. The remaining part of the compartment can be used as a place in which to put articles. When not being used for the insertion of a beverage container, the diameter-compensating element can be moved out of the compartment so that the entire compartment is available as a place in which to put articles.

[0009] The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the present invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIGS. 1a-c show, in perspective sectional view, a first exemplary embodiment of a holder according to the invention in different positions;

[0011]FIGS. 2a shows, in perspective, a second embodiment of a holder according to the invention;

[0012]FIG. 2b shows a sectional view of the holder shown in FIG. 2a, and

[0013]FIGS. 3a and b show, in a perspective and partially cut away view, a third embodiment of a holder according to the invention in different positions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] A holder 10 according to the invention illustrated in FIG. 1a has a cylindrical recess, which forms a receptacle 12 for insertion of a beverage container, not shown. The beverage container can be for example, a beverage can, a beaker or a cup. To adapt a different diameters of beverage container, the receptacle 10 has a diameter-compensating element, which in the exemplary embodiment of the invention being illustrated and described is in the form of a diameter-compensating flap 14. To enable the diameter-compensating flap 14 to be movably guided, the holder 10 has a pivotal bearing, the notional pivoting axis of which runs horizontally. For its pivotal mounting, the diameter-compensating flap 14 has on one side a laterally projecting bearing pin 16 and on an opposite side a shaft 18 coaxial with the bearing pin 16. The bearing pin 16 and the shaft 18 are located in bearing holes, not visible in the drawing, in the holder 10 in the circumferential region of the receptacle 12.

[0015] The diameter-compensating flap 14 is pivotable between the position illustrated in FIG. 1a, in which it projects horizontally into the receptacle 12, through about 90° into the position illustrated in FIG. 1c, in which it hangs downwards. In the downwardly hanging position illustrated in FIG. 1c, the diameter-compensating flap 14 is located in a recess 20 at the circumference of the receptacle 12, so that the receptacle 12 is completely available as compartment in which to put articles. FIG. 1b shows an arbitrary intermediate position of the diameter-compensating flap 14 during pivoting.

[0016] The diameter-compensating flap 14 is pivoted into the receptacle 12 under spring action. For that purpose the receptacle 10 has a leg spring 22 that is placed on a rod of the diameter-compensating flap 14, the rod being coaxial with the bearing pin 16 and the shaft 18. One leg of the leg spring 22 is supported in the recess 20; one wall of the recess 20 supporting the leg of the leg spring 22 has been cut away by the sectional view, so is not visible. The other leg of the spring 22 presses against the diameter-compensating flap 14. The leg spring 22 forms a spring element that presses the diameter-compensating flap 14 into the horizontal position shown in FIG. 1a, in which it projects into the receptacle 12.

[0017] On insertion of a beverage container, not shown, into the receptacle 12, the beverage container presses the diameter-compensating flap 14 downwards and outwards against the spring force of the leg spring 22. The leg spring 22 presses the diameter-compensating flap 14 resiliently against the circumference of the inserted drinks container and therefore holds the latter, secure against tipping, in the receptacle 12. Adaptation of to different diameters of beverage containers is provided by this means.

[0018] In order to hold the diameter-compensating flap 14 in the recess 20 against the spring force of the leg spring 22, the holder 10 has a ratchet device 24, 26, one part 26 of which is mounted, secure against rotation, on the shaft 18 of the diameter-compensating flap 14 and the other part 24 of which is mounted, secure against rotation and os as to slide axially, on the holder 10. The ratchet device 24, 26 is constructed in the manner of a claw coupling, the claws and detent pawl 28 being of saw-tooth form. The detent pawl 28 and the ratchet device 24, 26 permit pivoting of the diameter-compensating flap 14 from the horizontal position projecting into the receptacle 12 into the downwardly-hanging position, and prohibit pivoting in the opposite direction. The ratchet device 24, 28 therefore holds the diameter-compensating flap 14 against the spring force of the leg spring 22 in the downwardly-hanging position shown in FIG. 1c, in which the flap is located in the recess 20.

[0019] For its release, the ratchet device 24,26 comprises a button 30 slidably guided on the holder 10, the button engaging with the part 24 of the ratchet device 24, 26 that is secured against rotation and axially slidable in the holder 10. By displacement of the button 30 in the direction of the arrow f the two parts 24, 26 of the ratchet device 24, 26 can be disengaged, whereupon the leg spring 22 pivots the diameter-compensating flap 14 into the horizontal position projecting into the receptacle 12. A spring element in the form of a helical compression spring 32 holds the two parts 24, 26 of the ratchet device 24, 26 in engagement with one another. Pivoting of the diameter-compensating flap 14 into the downwardly-hanging position located in the recess 2 is effected manually by pressure on the diameter-compensating flap 14 against the force of the leg spring 22.

[0020] In the explanation that follows of FIGS. 2a, b and 3 a, b, the same reference numerals are used for components identical with those of FIGS. 1 a-c. the holder 10 according to the invention illustrated in FIG. 2a, like that of FIG. 1a, comprises a cylindrical recess as receptacle 12 for insertion of a beverage container, not shown. At one point on the circumference, a diameter-compensating flap 14 is pivotally mounted with a trunnion mounting 34. A leg spring, not shown, presses the diameter-compensating flap 14 into a horizontal position projecting into the receptacle 12. This position is represented in FIGS. 1a and b by broken lines. To hold the diameter-compensating flap 14 against the spring force of the leg spring, not shown, in the downwardly-hanging position in which it is located in a recess 20 at the circumference of the receptacle 12, the holder 10 in FIG. 2a has a locking device. The locking device comprises a plate-like slider 36, which is arranged externally tangentially to the circumference of the receptacle 12 and is guided axially parallel to the receptacle 12 slidably on the holder 10. The slider 38 has a rectangular hole 38, which, in the downwardly-hanging position of the diameter-compensating flap 14, is engaged by a locking hook 40 of the diameter-compensating flap 14. The hook 40 engages behind the slider 36 and therefore holds the diameter-compensating flap 14 in the downwardly-hanging position lying in the recess 20 (FIG. 2b). By pressing down the slider 36, the hook is released and the leg spring pivots the diameter-compensating flap 14 upwards into the horizontal position projecting into the receptacle 12. The slider 36 is pressed upwards by a spring element 42.

[0021] The holder 10 according to the invention illustrated in FIGS. 3a and b comprises two structurally identical receptacles 12 for insertion of drinks containers, not shown. Each receptacle 12 is cylindrical, and there is an opening between the two receptacles 12. In plan view, the two receptacles 12 form a figure eight. When the holder 10 is not being used for the insertion of drinks containers, the two receptacles 12 can be used as a compartment in which to put articles.

[0022] At the circumference, each of the two receptacles 12 comprises a diameter-compensating flap 14, which is mounted to pivot around a shaft 42. In contrast to FIGS. 1 and 2, a notional pivoting axis of the diameter-compensating flap 14 is vertical in FIGS. 3a and b. A leg spring 22 moves the diameter-compensating flap 14, as can be seen in the front receptacle 12 of FIG. 3a, into the receptacle 12. A ratchet device 24, 26, like that in FIGS. 1a-c, holds the diameter-compensating flap 14 against the spring force of the leg spring 22 in a recess 20 at a circumference of the receptacle 12. The ratchet device 24, 26 is unlocked by pressing down a button 44, which, via the shaft 42, brings the two parts 24, 26 of the ratchet device 24, 26 out of engagement. The shaft 42 projects through the part 24 of the ratchet device 24, 26 associated with the diameter-compensating flap 14, and presses the part 26 of the ratchet device 24, 26 remote from the diameter-compensating flap 14 against the force of a spring element 32 out of engagement. The part 24 of the ratchet device 24, 26 nearest to the diameter-compensating flap 14 is rotatable on the shaft 24 and non-rotatable with respect to the diameter-compensating flap 14, and in particular is one piece therewith.

[0023] By a smaller angular division of the ratchet device 24, 26 than that shown, the diameter-compensating flap 14 can be held in intermediate positions between the position located in the recess 20 and a position pivoted fully (not shown) into the receptacle 12. Alternatively, a diameter-compensating flap 14 as shown in FIGS. 3a and b can be used to partition off part of a, for example, oval, compartment as receptacle for insertion of a beverage container. The remaining part of the compartment is available for placing articles (not shown) even with a drinks container inserted.

[0024] It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above.

[0025] While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in holder for a beverage container, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

[0026] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

[0027] What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims. 

1. A holder for a beverage container, comprising a receptacle for insertion of a beverage container; a diameter-compensating element that is movably guided into said receptacle and out of said receptacle; a spring element that biases said diameter-compensating element into said receptacle; and a releasable locking device which holds said diameter-compensating element against a force of said spring element in a position it has when moved out of said receptacle.
 2. A holder as defined in claim 1; and further comprising a guide that guides said diameter-compensating element into said receptacle and out of said receptacle.
 3. A holder as defined in claim 1, wherein said releasable locking device is formed as a ratchet device.
 4. A holder as defined in claim 3, wherein said ratchet device has at least one intermediate working position, in which it holds said diameter-compensating element between the position it has when moved fully into said receptacle and the position it has when moved out of said receptacle.
 5. A holder as defined in claim 2, wherein said guide for said diameter-compensating element is formed as a pivotable bearing.
 6. A holder as defined in claim 1; and further comprising a compartment into which said diameter-compensating element is movable so that it partitions off a part of said compartment as said receptacle for insertion of a beverage container. 